If you ever sang traditional Sunday School songs, you know you aren’t supposed to hide the light of Christ under a bushel basket. You’re supposed to share the Good News with others. But often, when it comes to our talents and gifts, the bushel basket seems like an acceptable option.
I wrote a book in the summer of 2007 and aside from selling it at several speaking engagements, I haven’t shared it with many people. The copies aren’t under a bushel basket, but rather in a cardboard box under our ping pong table. I decided to take one step to share it and that was putting the link to it on my email signature. A woman I corresponded with saw the link, clicked it, read the sample chapter, ordered the book, read it, and loved it. She has been raving about how it has changed her life ever since.
The point is we all have gifts and talents given to us by God that were meant to be shared–not stored under a bushel basket. Often we get confused and think that we have to be celebrity quality in order to share our gifts. What a shame! I’m no Beth Moore, yet my book has been a blessing to others.
In the interest of sharing my book with even more readers, I am doing an interview with Felice Gerwitz on Monday, April 9th at 11:00a.m. Central time. Hope you can listen in or that you’ll share this link and this blog with the people you know who would benefit from it. All the proceeds from my book are donated to charity and missions.
Are you a closet writer, photographer, artist, singer, musician, athlete, speaker, teacher, leader, or money manager? Don’t hide it under a bushel. Use it for the glory of God and to benefit those around you!
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b]do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8
How are you going to let your light shine this week?
I think when we consider our gifts as from God and for the benefit of others, it helps us to hustle without selfish arrogance or self-interest. That mindset is the key to motivation, at least for me.
To me, it's a relief. Because my gifts aren't created by me or just for me, I can relax and let God do with them what He does best. I'm so glad you haven't hid your light under a bushel.
I’ve hidden gifts for years, with the excuse of “being humble” or “not wanting to be proud” but was recently convicted by the idea that I’m robbing people of joy, of the opportunity to have God use me to change them. It’s a sometimes scary first step, but important because each of us are vital for the advancement of the kingdom.
Seth, I'm so glad you've had a change of heart! I've been so blessed to enjoy others' gifts, so I know people will appreciate you sharing yours. Thanks so much for commenting.
Yay Melanie! This is such an important topic for Christians! By the grace of God, I am finding my gifts! Have a great day sister!
-Blessings, Amy
You certainly do have gifts, Amy, and you share them beautifully on Fullher Life. So glad the Lord introduced us!
Melanie, I can so relate to this post. God gives us gifts for His glory and the good of His body but we hide them (at least I do). Thanks for inspiring me to keep taking those gifts out of the closet (or out from under the ping pong table) and using them. 🙂
Shannon, I see a lot of light shining when I read your blog. I'm blessed by it and I pray that you will keep letting it shine. I believe that those of us who are teachers have more struggles than most. I try to remember that when I'm having a hard time, it means I'm on the right path.
Melanie
Hi Melanie, thanks so much for the comment on my blog. Congrats on getting out from under the bushel and thank you for the inspiration to try to crawl out a bit myself!
Susie, you're welcome! I really enjoy finding great new blogs like yours. God bless!